metro
Gunmen attack Abuja-bound bus in Kogi, abduct all passengers
Gunmen attack Abuja-bound bus in Kogi, abduct all passengers
Gunmen have kidnapped several passengers traveling in a bus at Okene, Kogi State.
According to a viral post on X, the passengers were en route from Edo State to Abuja on Wednesday when they were attacked.
The bus, owned by Big Joe Motors, a transport company based in Benin, had its driver among the abducted. The Kogi Police Command confirmed the incident.
David Aiguobagbon, a manager at the Abuja branch of Big Joe Motors, told Premium Times on Thursday that he was unsure how many people were kidnapped since the bus, which has a capacity for 13 passengers, had some passengers who managed to escape.
“We do not use or have 18 passenger buses, we only have 13. According to what we heard, there were 13 people, and some of the passengers were able to escape.
“And we have reported it to the police station where the incident happened. But we don’t know the fact yet if it was 13 or 18.
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“Some of the passengers left their phones behind and we have not received any call from the kidnappers yet demanding any ransom,” he said.
Mr Aiguobagbon said one of the company’s managers has travelled to Kogi State in connection with the incident.
“One of our managers is already at the police station in Kogi State helping the police out. We have not heard from the driver yet. He has two phones, one was left behind and he was with the second one. We have been trying to reach him. Yesterday, his phone was still going but it was already switched off this morning.
“What we are begging is for the families of the people to exercise patience with us, we are working with the police and it will be successful. If any family has been contacted for ransom, they should please contact us,” he said.
Meanwhile, a X user, @Pn Stuff, has posted on his account that the kidnappers are demanding N30 million ransom.
“I just called the Abuja Big Joe secretary to confirm and she said it’s true and the kidnappers are asking for #30M.”
Gunmen attack Abuja-bound bus in Kogi, abduct all passengers
metro
Army kill 11 ISWAP terrorists in Sambisa forest
Army kill 11 ISWAP terrorists in Sambisa forest
Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for a special clearance operation in Sambisa Forest, have eliminated 11 Islamic States of West Africa Province terrorists.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement on its official X Handle, disclosed this on Saturday.
It said the feat was achieved in coordinated special clearance operations with a hybrid force on terrorists’ enclave in Jongo Village within the notorious Sambisa Forest.
It said that the troops targeted the enclave, and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing some while others fled in disarray.
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The army said its troops further conducted exploitation ahead of the enclave, leading to the capture of some arms.
According to the post, the arms include 99 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm on the metal link, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 3 AK-47 rifle magazines, two 36-hand grenades, and two locally made guns.
“This successful operation showcases the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian army in combating terrorism and securing in the region.
“The neutralisation of ISWAP terrorists and the confiscation of their weapons will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing security and stability in the area.
“This further demonstrated the commitment of the Nigerian military to eradicating terrorism and protecting the citizens,” it said.
Army kill 11 ISWAP terrorists in Sambisa forest
NAN
metro
Rivers: Church youth leader arrested during thanksgiving for killing mother of 3
Rivers: Church youth leader arrested during thanksgiving for killing mother of 3
A youth leader of a Protestant church in Rumukalagbor area of Rivers State, Tuouamene, has been arrested by the police, leaving worshippers aghast and stupefied.
He was arrested in the church after he gave a powerful testimony which left some of the congregation enveloped by emotion.
Tuouamene was apprehended in connection with the death of a mother of three in a hotel in May this year.
The deceased was said to be a former lover of the youth leader.
They reportedly checked into a hotel in Rumuigbon area of the state, only for the woman’s lifeless body to be found later, in the room.
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Police sources hinted that “a married woman has died under mysterious circumstances in a hotel room, and the prime suspect, her former acquaintance, has been arrested after trying to cover up his involvement by giving false testimony in church.
“The incident occurred at the hotel in Rivers State. Investigations reveal that the woman, who was a married mother of three, had reconnected with a former classmate, Tuamene, while he was planning his wedding on April 27, 2024.
“The two had met and struck up a relationship back in 2010 when they were studying Educational Management at the Rivers State College of Education (now Ignatius Ajuru University of Education).
“After graduating in 2012, they lost contact. But the chance meeting at Tuamene’s wedding led to them arranging a rendezvous on May 14, 2024.”
Rivers: Church youth leader arrested during thanksgiving for killing mother of 3
metro
Police warn about planned secret cult initiations in schools, others
Police warn about planned secret cult initiations in schools, others
The Police Command in Rivers has cautioned the public regarding potential cult-related activities across the country on June 7.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the command, disclosed in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that a large number of Black Axe cultists were preparing to mark their Founder’s Day.
According to her, intelligence reports indicate that the confraternity intends to initiate innocent victims into their group and potentially engage in clashes with rival cults on the same day.
“We have received information about the Neo-Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aiye or Black Axe, which plans to hold a nationwide commemoration in honour of their Founder’s Day.
“The event, code-named Aiye Day or 7/7, is scheduled to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in institutions of higher learning.
“The command is aware of the antecedents of the confraternity, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes, and other criminal activities of a violent nature.’’
Iringe-Koko said that intelligence reports suggested the group was plotting to disrupt public peace from their strongholds and on tertiary campuses across the country.
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“The ceremony could possibly lead to counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions in Rivers.
“It might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims, as well as crimes such as rape and armed robbery.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olatunji Disu, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and tactical team commanders to conduct pre-emptive and responsive raids.’’
The police image maker emphasised that the pre-emptive measures would target cult hideouts, high-risk areas and hotels that could serve as meeting points for cult leaders.
She mentioned that police operatives had been instructed to prevent the planned event, arrest suspected cultists and bring them to justice.
“Police area commanders, DPOs and tactical team commanders are to emplace visible and effective patrol strategies, closely monitoring all tertiary institution campuses and public places to intercept cult members.
“Parents and guardians should keep a close eye on their children and wards during this period and watch for warning signs in their interactions with friends.
“Similarly, community leaders and security outfits are encouraged to report any unusual gatherings in their area, while religious leaders should preach to their congregants on the evil of secret cults,” Iringe-Koko appealed.
Police warn about planned secret cult initiations in schools, others
(NAN)
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